Molecules of Metabolism Kit

Understanding Digestion and Respiration

SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS/PROCESSES

• Build a segment of the DNA molecule and see what a double helix is like
• Model can be “unzipped” allowing for replication of DNA segment

A new, innovative, 3 dimensional approach to the study of Glycolysis and the Kreb’s Cycle.

Put this study in the hands of your students. Have them construct molecules involved in these processes so necessary for life. Students will be able to see and appreciate how large molecules are converted to smaller molecules that the body can use. Cellular respiration is addressed by illustrating how Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) the energy molecule of life is formed by the systematic release of potential energy trapped in the chemical bonds in food molecules.

The major molecules of the Kreb’s Cycle (aerobic respiration) are also illustrated in this kit.

This LAB-AIDS activity was developed by a teacher. It makes the challenging concepts of Anaerobic and Aerobic Respiration more meaningful and understandable than a textbook diagram or a chalkboard presentation. Students will observe these molecules and understand the role of individual atoms, the role of enzymes and where each of these processes occurs in cells. A team of up to four students construct and develop on a lab table a 3-dimensional diorama both of Anaerobic respiration (Glycolysis) as well as Aerobic respiration (the Kreb’s Cycle) in a step-by-step evolution.

In this activity, students will:

• Assemble the disaccharide maltose and experience the latter phase of digestion where maltose breaks down into glucose via enzyme hydrolysis
• Trace the path of glucose to the cell and simulate how these molecules nourish the cells
• Address cellular respiration by observing how ATP the energy molecule is formed by the systematic release of potential energy in the chemical bonds in food molecules.
• Construct Pyruvic acid and Lactic acid molecules and compare them in order to understand glycolysis (anaerobic respiration)
• Construct the major molecules for the Krebs Cycle and position them on a preprinted mitochondrion creating a large diorama to establish where these processes occur in the cell

This kit contains a 4-color mitochondrion background display and one package each of bonds, plus Carbon, Oxygen and Hydrogen atoms, 24 student worksheets and a teacher’s manual with background information. This kit was designed with a station approach in mind. The material is reusable, so several groups can use it over time. If you want to have more students working on this activity at the same time, Enlarge-A-Lab packages are available. Each package includes a background display and the molecular model components to add another station. This kit is reusable and satisfaction is guaranteed.

Contents List

• 30 Student Worksheets and Guides
• 1 Teachers Guide with MSDS

• 123 white Hydrogen atoms
• 69 black carbon atoms
• 72 blue double bond Oxygen atomsv
• 263 bonds [white tubes]
• 1 set of labels and arrows
• 1 Mitochondrian poster